Unless you have the eyes of a Liverpool supporter, the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final wasn’t the prettiest spectacle. But that suited Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson just fine.
The midfielder only completed 17 of 24 passes and was on the receiving end of a brutal Danny Rose nutmeg, but Henderson was still one of the most effective players on the pitch while going the full 90. He led Liverpool in both tackles (three) and interceptions (two) while his industry and tirelessness helped to nullify the threat of Dele Alli and the rhythm of Harry Winks.
And what a moment it was when the skipper lifted the trophy above his head to get the party started in Madrid. After losing the FA Cup final in 2012, the Europa League final in 2016, the UCL final in 2018 and bowing out at the semifinal stage of last summer’s World Cup, this was the 28-year-old’s moment of catharsis.
LIVERPOOL LEVANTÓ LA SEXTA OREJONA#LaChampionsUD #UCL @Spurs_ES 0-2 @LFC pic.twitter.com/7ilct4dTc8
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) June 1, 2019
Think Hendo wanted that trophy bad? pic.twitter.com/l7GbeE1lzj
— The18 (@the18com) June 1, 2019
But the tears really started flowing when Henderson found his father, Brian, post-match for a hug. Brian Henderson was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2013, but he’s since overcome the disease and made a full recovery. Here's two warriors sharing a very emotional moment:
Henderson’s dad had throat cancer and asked him not to see him while he was going through treatment. I’ve hugged a parent in the same way for similar reasons and this video is definitely the highlight of the season pic.twitter.com/FgSlaYUUdY
— Amol Rajan (@amolrajan) June 2, 2019
And here’s Henderson Sr being interviewed by Optus Sport.
I'm not crying, you're crying
This interview with @jhenderson's old man is something special #OptusSport #UCLfinal @kellysomers @carra23 pic.twitter.com/EN9Zt1OrhH— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 1, 2019